HAMPTONS COTTAGES AND GARDENS, July 1-15, 2004
James DeMartis, metalworker by Donna Paul

About to weld two pieces of iron for a table, protected by goggles and leather apron, James DeMartis fires up the forge in his Springs studio. Surrounded by various steel forms-found and made, old and new - he creates custom fireplace andirons, tables, railings, gates and architectural hardware - even a wine cellar. DeMartis' meticulous work ranges in style from classical to modern. He's been at it for 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down. The solitary, labor-intensive craft suits him just fine. "There's no instant gratification working with metal," says DeMartis. "The components come together over time, like theater."

James DeMartis is a sculptor and blacksmith serving New York City and the greater New York area, from Manhattan to Connecticut, New Jersey to Long Island.